Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Im in Love With My Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By StevieG - December 22 - 12:30 pm

  The 2005 Mustang GT Covertible is an awesome car. I had a 2000. This car is so much better in every way. It drives better, both in terms of handling and pure speed. It is simply gorgeous. I get thumbs ups and looks all the time. The Shaker 1000 audio system is the best factory stereo I have ever heard. As one of my friends said, this car is perfect.

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  Fords got a hit! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Timbo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Whew! Great car! Weve only had it for a few months, but there have been absolutly no problems. We did have a couple of warantee issues, but they were very minor gripes. One of concern was a tire shimmy/balance issue. Suprisingly the dealer replaced the tire (Firestone) for no charge and the problem was improved.

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  Fords got a hit! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By timbo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Whew! Great car! Weve only had it for a few months, but there have been absolutly no problems. We did have a couple of warantee issues, but they were very minor gripes. One of concern was a tire shimmy/balance issue. Suprisingly the dealer replaced the tire (Firestone) for no charge and the problem was improved.

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  WOW! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jmtrainfan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  What a neat little car! I went down to look for a Taurus, and came home with a ZX5. I am impressed with the ride and drive for such a small car. Really a lot of fun to drive. I think its the most comfortable small car Ive tried. I really like the exterior styling.

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  The Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By therealmrmustang - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Aside from shortcomings to be expected from a custom, built alongside high volumne/production automobiles, problems have been minimal. I love my car!

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  Impressive fuel economy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By TL - December 22 - 2:43 am

  I bought the S with automatic due to dealer promotion. In test drive, it drove better than 2011 Sonata and costs a lot less. Just had 1500 km on it, seems a fuel sipper on the highway. I got 6 L/100 km highway (~40 MPG I believe, I am in Canada so we use metric), about 10-11 local. Driving is very smooth, hardly any engine or wind noise, although the road noise can be noticeable at highway speed. Only time will tell the reliability.

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  good comfort and fun to drive - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By michael actor - December 21 - 11:06 am

  best ford that I owned in many years

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  I am happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wilsons - December 21 - 10:20 am

  This car is great! I drive 100 miles a day mostly highway and have been getting 35+ mpg. Very fun to drive, with a well thought out interior. Handles very well.

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  Big Red - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By big red - December 20 - 9:28 am

  I absolutly love this truck. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would buy plenty more. I just wish that it got a little better gas mileage. But the little gas mileage is worth all the excitement that you get when you drive this truck. You cant find a smoother riding 4x4., and you cant find a better digging 4x4. Everything about it is so wonderful they should bring them back and everybody should own one.

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  Im suprised how much I love my Edge! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Brent - December 20 - 7:32 am

  Im a faithful Ford buyer. I feel theyre safer & better built than any other American made car. I needed to trade my Taurus. I started transporting my grandfather, and he had a hard time getting down and into my Taurus. (Hes 93 and 6 foot tall) I looked at the Edge because of ease of entry for him, not because I saw myself driving it. It was OK, but just OK. After driving it for 2-3 days, I LOVED THIS CAR! Its fun to drive, looks good on the road - I get compliments, and is comfortable for distance traveling. Would I trade? Only for the Lincoln version. I could see myself buying Edge again.